I created the myth of the Great Old Ones.

After throwing the blood-stained clothes into the washing machine, Lu Ban washed the blood off his face and returned to his computer.

My vision is still a little blurry, but it will clear up soon.

The problem is not big.

"This knowledge comes from the ruined capital..."

Lu Ban opened a document and briefly summarized what he had just learned.

"The cultural level of the ruined capital was roughly at the level of the 1920s or 1930s, with a blend of Chinese and Western characteristics. Outside the densely populated megacity were deserts and wastelands."

“The gap between the rich and poor in the city is huge. The poor live in cramped old urban areas, while the central urban area is the exclusive domain of the rich.”

“Gangs hold an important position in the ruins, and even act as legal representatives in some areas.”

"The desert outside the city is home to a host of monsters, including wriggling, contagious flowers and flying whales."

"There is still wealth in the desert, attracting people to go out and explore."

"And... the ruler of the entire city, the owner of those eyes, may also be a deity equal to the one on Aldebaran."

"Now that we've gained knowledge of the ruined capital, this place doesn't seem so dangerous anymore..."

Lu Ban seems to have already made a decision.

Chapter 039 [Friends in the Air]

Before Lu Ban could make a decision, his phone rang again.

Looking at the number, Lu Ban saw it was his old squad leader Feng Yu, whom he hadn't contacted in a long time. After hesitating for a moment, he decided not to pretend he hadn't seen it and answered the call. The voice that was as cheerful as the summer sun shone through the phone.

"Lu Ban, I saw that video. Are you alright?"

Judging from the other person's voice, they seemed genuinely worried about Lu Ban.

"There's no problem, it's all just for the sake of the show."

Lu Ban responded with a single sentence.

"Haha, I knew it! How come I didn't know you were so good at special effects back in college? Did you go somewhere to learn it from someone else?"

Upon hearing Lu Ban's response, the old squad leader smiled again.

"Practice is the best teacher."

Lu Ban answered honestly.

"You seem quite capable. Are you planning to pursue a career in self-media?"

"Making videos is just a means to an end; my goal is to make movies."

Lu Ban spoke frankly.

"Wow, that's impressive. Let me work as a helper on your film set sometime."

"This might be a little difficult..."

Lu Ban can go to those forbidden areas on his own, but he can't let his acquaintances suffer.

"Just kidding. Speaking of which, when should we get together? I was worried you might be depressed after seeing how you looked in your videos, but you seem to be doing pretty well now, you have 100,000 followers."

"Wait for me to gather material... No, it's nothing, I'll definitely do it next time, I'll definitely do it next time."

Lu Ban retracted the death flag he almost blurted out, chatted with Feng Yu for a couple more minutes, and then hung up the phone.

It's strange. We didn't have much interaction when we were in school, but after graduation we've become like friends and can chat on the phone.

Lu Ban put down his phone. The discomfort he had felt earlier from the "Madman's Knowledge" had subsided considerably. He was only a little weak from the nosebleed. It seemed that talking to people was an important way to maintain his rationality.

Oh wait, my sanity is already zero, so it's okay.

Lu Ban now finally understands why this thing is called "madman's" knowledge.

These skulls likely contain records of the history, culture, and current situation of other worlds, and sometimes even some bizarre scenes that are hard for ordinary people to imagine.

Moreover, this knowledge is forcibly instilled into the brain and is difficult to erase.

If you really do draw one single shot every day, it won't be long before your mind is filled with these fantastical ramblings from another world, and then you'll completely break down.

Lu Ban didn't do a second draw mainly because there was no discount for the second draw, and it required 100 Silent Points.

He currently has 4106 Silence Points, which is not enough to buy even one item of [Excellent] quality.

Products rated "Excellent" and "Ordinary" tend to have significant side effects and unclear uses, making them less valuable for consumption.

"I might as well save them up. If things continue at the current pace, I can refine my tape recorder after one or two more missions."

Lu Ban thought to himself.

When something says it can be upgraded, people will want to upgrade it; this is an instinctive desire.

It's like being told that if you press this button, nuclear bombs will instantly fly into the sky, everyone will hold hands and hearts and step into the era of picking up bottle caps, so you must not press it, but you just can't resist pressing it to try it out.

I couldn't help it.

Nevertheless, Lu Ban, still filled with curiosity, bought an item to keep in mind for later use.

[Air Friend].

It only requires 70 Silent Points, which is only slightly more expensive than a daily single draw, making it cheaper.

Lu Ban bought it.

He felt as if a gust of wind had brushed past his ear.

Nothing happened.

Lu Ban looked around the room and found nothing had changed. The smell, the temperature, and the space were all the same.

"Hey, are you there?"

He asked a question.

no respond.

If something cannot be seen, touched, or smelled, and does not respond when called, then it probably does not exist.

Was I scammed?

The Emperor's New Clothes? Lu Ban's New Friend?

Lu Ban closed his eyes, minimizing all his senses, as if he were asleep.

At that moment, he clearly sensed that there was someone next to him.

Unlike those eerie beings who are cold and indifferent, he has a friendly and approachable quality, and his mere presence is enough to make Lu Ban feel at ease.

"Is this what air friends are like?"

Lu Ban vaguely grasped the purpose of this item.

After chatting with his air friend for a while, Lu Ban felt much better.

He looked at the computer screen and peered through one of the three small holes.

[One Night of Revelry]

[Ruined city is the place of all hope, the place of all despair, the beginning of all stories, and the end of all stories.]

There are many ways to get to the ruins, but the car is definitely the most uncomfortable. It's not only long, narrow, and dirty, but it's also prone to trouble—I'm talking about those from inhuman sources.

Compared to these monsters, even the typewriters of the ruined city's gangsters seem kind and friendly.

Cheer up! At least when you see the sun rise the next day, you'll be filled with anticipation, won't you?

[Task Difficulty: Selectable]

[Mission Requirements: Complete the Journey to the Ruins]

"Pack your things, get ready to go!"

[Note: This mission involves changes to the Silent Land area. Please ensure the surrounding area is open and be mindful of your personal safety beforehand.]

"Difficulty level selectable?"

Lu Ban noticed the difference between this time and the previous ones.

Is this what the self-selection mode means?

He clicked on the task difficulty section and found three options to choose from.

【mortal】

[This is the best choice for ordinary people, especially for casual chosen ones who simply want to experience adventure in a ruined city but are not good at dealing with unexpected situations.]

Of course, by choosing to close one's eyes, one cannot see the truth behind it all.

Basic Reward: 1000 Silence Points

[Difficulty Bonus x1]

The text for this option is as cold and emotionless as ever.

The text next to it conveys a sense of desolation and decay, enough to dishearten anyone who glances at it.

【pollute】

Looking for thrills? No problem, but I have to warn you beforehand that some things are far crazier than you can imagine.

[Isn't it true that you get what you pay for?]

Basic Reward: 1200 Silence Points

[Difficulty Bonus x2]

The last option, written almost in blood, snaked across Lu Ban's computer screen, outlining chilling text.

【erosion】

Only the most daring, foolish, and insane chosen ones would want to experience this damned thing.

You can see everything, and everything can see you.

Basic Reward: 1500 Silence Points

[Difficulty Bonus x3]